Market Segment:
Compact sports coupe, aimed at enthusiasts seeking distinctive styling and performance without the premium price of established competitors.
Key Competitors:
Peugeot 406 Coupe, Ford Probe, Honda Prelude, Toyota Celica, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Volkswagen Corrado.
Design Philosophy:
Bold, angular styling by Pininfarina, front-wheel-drive platform derived from the Fiat Tipo, offering a balance of performance, practicality, and unique design.
Value Proposition:
Affordable performance and distinctive Italian styling, appealing to buyers looking for something different from the mainstream.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (including injection), ignition system, emission control systems, turbocharger systems (where applicable).
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission (all gears, clutch operation, driveline), automatic transmission (if applicable to specific models covered).
Brake Systems:
Hydraulic braking system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake, brake component overhaul and adjustment.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, wishbones), rear suspension (multi-link, trailing arms), steering system (power steering, rack and pinion), wheel alignment specifications.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, starter motor, alternator, battery, fuses, relays, ECU (Engine Control Unit) diagnostics.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, doors, windows, bumpers, chassis repair, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid level checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspections and replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly for all major systems.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common fault identification for various systems.
Diagnostic Procedures:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU fault code diagnosis.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed torque specifications and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Options Covered:
1.8L 16V (1747cc) 'Fire' DOHC, 2.0L 16V (1995cc) 'CF2/CF3' DOHC, 2.0L 20V Turbo (1998cc) DOHC, 16V Turbo (1998cc) DOHC, 20V (1998cc) DOHC.
Power Output 1.8L:
130 PS (128 hp; 96 kW) @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1.8L:
164 Nm (121 lb-ft) @ 4300 rpm
Power Output 2.0L 16V:
154 PS (152 hp; 113 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Torque 2.0L 16V:
185 Nm (136 lb-ft) @ 4750 rpm
Power Output 2.0L 20V:
155 PS (153 hp; 114 kW) @ 6700 rpm
Torque 2.0L 20V:
186 Nm (137 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Power Output 2.0L 16V Turbo:
220 PS (217 hp; 162 kW) @ 5500 rpm
Torque 2.0L 16V Turbo:
310 Nm (229 lb-ft) @ 2500 rpm
Power Output 2.0L 20V Turbo:
220 PS (217 hp; 162 kW) @ 5500 rpm
Torque 2.0L 20V Turbo:
310 Nm (229 lb-ft) @ 2500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point electronic fuel injection (MPI) for naturally aspirated engines; Bosch Motronic or similar for turbocharged variants.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended, higher for turbo models)
Cylinder Arrangement:
Inline-4 (1.8L, 2.0L 16V) and Inline-5 (2.0L 20V, 20V Turbo)
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Turbocharger:
Garrett T25 or similar (for turbo models)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission.
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (available on select models, notably 2.0L 16V).
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by engine and transmission, detailed in the manual.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated dry single-plate clutch.
Drive Type:
Front-wheel drive (FWD).
Length:
Approx. 4250 mm (167.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1760 mm (69.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1350 mm (53.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2500 mm (98.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1250-1450 kg (2756-3197 lbs), depending on engine and specification.
Luggage Capacity:
Approx. 260 liters (9.2 cu ft)
Crash Test Performance:
No official Euro NCAP ratings available for this model, but it was designed with contemporary safety standards in mind. Manual will detail passive safety features.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional, depending on trim level and market.
Traction Control:
Traction control (ASR) available on higher-spec models, particularly turbo variants.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player with speaker systems, often optional upgrades available.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control systems.
ABS Asr:
As mentioned in safety, ABS and ASR were available features.
Immobilizer:
Factory fitted engine immobilizer system for theft deterrence.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Turbo models may have slightly shorter intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 km (37,000 miles) or 4-5 years, critical for these DOHC engines. The manual provides detailed replacement procedures.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3 compliant, SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 recommended. Check manual for specific engine recommendations.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0-4.5 liters (with filter change) for 1.8L/2.0L 16V, approx. 4.5-5.0 liters for 20V variants.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically Fiat Paraflu UP or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil for manual transmissions. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for automatic gearboxes.
Common Problems:
Timing belt failure (critical to follow intervals), turbocharger issues (on turbo models), electrical gremlins (especially related to body control modules and sensors), rust in wheel arches and sills, suspension component wear, catalytic converter failure, clutch wear.
Maintenance Focus Areas:
Regular timing belt replacements, checking for oil leaks, inspecting suspension and brake components, addressing any electrical faults promptly.
Fiat Performance History:
Fiat has a long history of producing sporty and stylish cars, from the classic 500 to more modern performance models like the X1/9 and the various Abarth variants.
Design Origin:
Designed by Pininfarina, the Fiat Coupé was based on the floorpan and mechanicals of the Fiat Tipo and was intended to offer a more stylish and sporty alternative.
Production Periods:
1993 to 2000, with minor facelifts and updates during its production run.
Manufacturing Location:
Pianale Mirafiori, Turin, Italy.
Total Production Numbers:
Approximately 72,753 units were produced worldwide.
Design Awards:
While specific awards for the Fiat Coupé are scarce, its Pininfarina design was widely praised for its originality and aggressive styling, making it a design icon of its era.
Reliability Perception:
Reliability perception varied, with some owners experiencing fewer issues than others. Proper maintenance, as detailed in this manual, is key to longevity.
